Questions about my first PVR

[Anonymous]

First, gotta say, great site and great resource. So much info, my head is spinning.

I have wanted a TiVo for a while, but always had the purchase nixed. Truth be told, I really don't like paying the subscription fees anyways, so I figured why not build my own.

So, I have questions, and I am quite lost at this point....hoping for some help, because the more I read the more I think I am getting lost.

I have an existing desktop PC, which i may employ entirely or in parts for this. its an Athlon based system tho the speed of the CPU escapes me at the moment. 512 MB ram, Win XP, 60 GB in drives with a clean 100 GB drive waiting to go in.

Now, I am kinda lost---do I just need to add a good PVR card (I was eyeing the Hauppauge 150), or do i need that plus a good video card, in addition to the software?

I don't want to buy too much, nor do I want to get not enough.

And, will the 150 let me connect to my VCR? Part of the drive for this is a desire to take all my old VHS and transfer to HD or DVDs and save space, as well as being able to record a few regular TV shows without killing myself to find a spot on a blank tape

and, is a remote an absolute must? or can I just get by with a keyboard and mouse

thanks!!

[steve525]

Now, I am kinda lost---do I just need to add a good PVR card (I was eyeing the Hauppauge 150), or do i need that plus a good video card, in addition to the software?

You'll at least need a video card with TV-out, (unless you plan on watching TV on your computer monitor).  Other than that, any recent video card will do.  An expensive video card does give you some bangs and whistles, but all that is necessary is good TV-out quality.

 

And, will the 150 let me connect to my VCR? Part of the drive for this is a desire to take all my old VHS and transfer to HD or DVDs and save space, as well as being able to record a few regular TV shows without killing myself to find a spot on a blank tape

Although I haven't tried it, I don't see why not.  The 150 has the required composite inputs.  One issue you may run into with commerical videos is Macrovision.  I think this product
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1074788291354&skuId=6296563&productCategoryId=cat08062&type=product  is designed to get around Macrovision, but don't quote me on it.

The 150 (not MCE version) comes with a remote.  I suppose you could use a mouse and keyboard just fine, if you wanted to.

[ejk]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: This keyboard rocks for PVR functionality from across the room:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-107-114&depa=0

The price is great, and it works perfectly right out of the box (batteries included). So you hook your PVR up to the TV, use the Hauppage remote when you're running your PVR software, and hide the keyboard under the couch or on a bookshelf and only pull it out when you absolutely have to. But you can hide your PVR away in an entertainment center and never have to get off the couch to do whatever work needs to be done.